Viscous food product grinding and dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A viscous food product dispensing system having a transport section for receiving a particulate food product from a bin, an auger for processing and conveying the received particulate food product from the transport section into an outlet adapter via one or more flutes, a milling device housed in the outlet adapter, and a discharge nozzle in the outlet adapter that pinches off the viscous food product created by the milling device. The auger has a unique design that allows it to engage and break whole nuts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to India provisional application201611009273, filed Mar. 17, 2016, U.S. provisional application62/431,222, filed Dec. 7, 2016, U.S. provisional application 62/453,759,filed Feb. 2, 2017, and U.S. design patent application 29/577,721, filedSep. 15, 2016, the entire contents of each application beingincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to viscous food product grindingand dispensing systems, and in particular to features for such systemsconfigured to improve performance of the production of viscous foodpaste.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Grinding dispensers for dispensing bulk food products are used todispense a wide variety of ground materials, which may include, forexample, nuts, coffee, and grain. Generally, such systems include ahollow hopper-type bin having an inlet at an upper end utilized to fillthe enclosure with bulk product, a transport section that receives thefood product by gravity, a manual or electric motor power source thatmechanically drives a transport device and a milling device, and adischarge cover for the milling device. The transport device may be arotatable auger which is coupled to the power source. The dischargecover includes one or more outlet openings utilized to dispense thematerial into a container for the user.

Existing grinding dispenser systems provide nut butter freshly groundfrom various types of nuts, such as peanuts and almonds. In operation ofsuch nut grinding dispensers, a pre-processed nut product is furtherground to produce nut butter, which is forced as a viscous paste to thebottom of the discharge cover and dispensed from the outlet opening asan exposed viscous paste stream.

Conventional systems require pre-processed nuts. In other words, theycannot process whole nuts. The present invention overcomes thisdisadvantage by providing a novel over-center cutout (or notch) that canaccommodate whole nuts.

Conventional systems produce an exposed paste stream that is problematicfor sanitary reasons. The present invention overcomes this disadvantageby covering dispense residual paste (commonly referred to as “dangle”)with a spout (aka shroud).

After the grinding dispenser has been deactivated, conventional systemsfurther produce an exposed residue drip attached to the exterior of theproduct outlet. The present invention overcomes this disadvantage byproviding a nozzle at the product outlet having a generally flexiblevalve configured to automatically pinch off product residue drips. Thus,the nozzle valve prevents dripping of the product after dispensing hasceased. In some embodiments, the nozzle is covered by a spout to shieldthe food product outlet from environmental contamination and publictampering.

The present invention achieves another important advantage by utilizinga variable frequency driven (VFD), 3 phase motor, that provides highertorque with a volumetrically smaller motor. The high torque allows amore efficient grinding of product. The smaller motor allows a smalleroverall footprint. Utilizing a VFD controller allows for motor operationusing various world-wide input voltages and frequencies, maintainsimproved torque and horsepower, and can provide specific torque/speedprofiles via computer program profiles.

The present invention achieves another important advantage byincorporating a safety system that disables the electronic drive systemupon detection of removal of either the hopper and/or front cladding(merchandizer).

The present invention provides other important novel advantages, such asa pivoting shutter (aka gate) on the hopper dispenser, a manuallyadjustable texture modification system fed by a unique flutearrangement, and a run time adjustment feature.

The pivoting gate automatically closes off the product bin dischargechute as the bin is removed from the unit, reducing product loss.Texture adjustment screws provide easy manual adjustment, without theneed for special tools, of a rear fixed grinder position, relative to afront rotating grinder, so as to adjust the coarseness, or producttexture. Utilizing manual fasteners for the disassembly and reassemblyof the grinding system shortens the clean time and product change-overtime for the unit. The run time adjustment feature allows the unit ownerto quickly select from a plurality of pre-determined run times for themotor.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided atransport section for a viscous food product grinding and dispensingsystem comprising: an auger having an over-center cutout within ahousing sleeve, the interior surface of the housing sleeve includingradial flutes for regulating product flow from the sleeve to the millingdevice.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided anoutlet adapter for a viscous food product dispensing system, comprising:a discharge cover, the discharge cover configured to receive apressurized supply flow of particulate food product and to house amilling device for processing the particulate food product into apressurized supply flow of viscous food paste for dispensing; and aflexible nozzle coupled at a proximal end to the discharge cover, theflexible nozzle including a valve configured to flex to an open positionunder force from the pressurized supply flow of viscous food paste andreturn to a closed position once the supply flow ceases, the valvehaving an outlet being configured to pinch off and sever the viscousfood paste as the valve returns to the closed position; whereby thesevering of the viscous food paste by the outlet reduces the amount ofviscous food paste remaining attached to an external face of the outlet.

In one embodiment, an outlet adapter includes a discharge cover and aflexible nozzle. The discharge cover is configured to receive apressurized supply flow of particulate food product and to house amilling device for processing the particulate food product into a supplyflow of viscous food paste for dispensing. The nozzle includes aproximal end, a distal end and a valve with a hollow interior passage.The nozzle is coupled at the proximal end to an aperture in thedischarge cover. The hollow interior passage includes an opening at theproximal end configured to receive the viscous food paste. The hollowinterior passage tapers downwardly towards a port at the distal end. Thevalve includes a flexible portion; the flexible portion is biased in anormally closed position and flexes to an open position under sufficientforce for discharge of the viscous food paste. The flexible portion isconfigured such that force from the pressurized supply flow of theviscous food paste urges the port open and, once the supply flow stops,the port to returns to the closed position, thus pinching off orsevering the viscous food paste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the inventive embodiments will become apparent tothose skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate from readingthe specification and claims with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a viscous food product grinding anddispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of a viscous food productgrinding and dispensing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, shown without the milling device;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the bin of FIG. 3 shown removedfrom the system;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the bin of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a partial top plan view of the system of FIG. 3 shown withthe bin, front rotating grinder and discharge cover removed;

FIG. 6B is a front end view in section of a cutout in theauger/transport device, and FIG. 6C, is the section of FIG. 6B shownrotated counterclockwise, also showing the interior surface of theadjacent sleeve;

FIG. 6D is a front end view in section of a cutout in theauger/transport device (identical to FIG. 6B), FIG. 6E is the section ofFIG. 6D shown rotated counterclockwise showing a captured nut, and FIG.6F is the section of FIG. 6E shown rotated further counterclockwiseshowing a partially crushed nut (it should be noted that the same effectcan be achieved with a clockwise configuration);

FIG. 6G is a front end view in section of a cutout in a prior artdevice, FIG. 6H is the section of FIG. 6G shown rotated counterclockwiseshowing an un-captured nut, and FIG. 6I is the section of FIG. 6H shownrotated further counterclockwise, and showing an escaped nut;

FIG. 6J is a top perspective view of the system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6K is an exploded side perspective view showing the transportsection with transport device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 6A shown withthe rear fixed grinder removed;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the system of FIG. 3 shown with thefront rotating grinder and discharge cover removed;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, shown with the bin removed;

FIG. 11 is the exploded view of FIG. 10 shown without the power sourceand enclosure;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the power source and enclosure ofFIG. 10 shown with a rear portion of the enclosure removed;

FIG. 13 is a partial rear perspective view of the power source enclosureof FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the power source of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of a viscous food product grinding anddispensing system with alternative outlet adapter according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic flow diagram of the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the transport section, outlet adapter,and milling device of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18A is a partial top plan view of the assembled transport deviceinside the front housing of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18B is a top plan view of the auger/transport device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear view in section of the transport device of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a rear view in section of a transport device according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the outlet adapter of FIG. 17 withthe nozzle assembled inside the discharge cover;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the outlet adapter of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the outlet adapter of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a short side view in section of the outlet adapter of FIG.21;

FIG. 25 is a right side perspective view in section of the outletadapter of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a left side perspective view in section of the outlet adapterof FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is a bottom front perspective view of the flexible nozzle ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 28 is a top rear perspective view of the flexible nozzle of FIG.27;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a rear elevation view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a horizontal section view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 28,

FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a front elevation view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 28;

FIG. 34 is a left side elevation view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 28;

FIG. 35 is a right side elevation view of the flexible nozzle of FIG.28;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of a reference planar oval relative to theflexible nozzle of FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 is a long side view in section of the flexible nozzle of FIG.28;

FIG. 38 is a short side view in section of the flexible nozzle of FIG.28 prior to the flow of viscous food product;

FIG. 39 is the flexible nozzle of FIG. 38 deformed during the flow ofviscous food product;

FIG. 40 a bottom view of the deformed valve of the nozzle of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of an outlet adapter according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 18;

FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 18;

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a front elevation view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is a bottom plan view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a long side view in section of the flexible nozzle of FIG.43;

FIG. 48 is a short side view in section of the flexible nozzle of FIG.43 prior to the flow of viscous food product;

FIG. 49 is the flexible nozzle of FIG. 26 deformed during the flow ofviscous food product; and

FIG. 50 is a bottom view of the flexible nozzle of FIG. 43 deformedduring the flow of viscous food product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the discussion that follows, like reference numerals are used torefer to like structures and elements in the various figures.

The general arrangement of a viscous food product grinding anddispensing system 12 (“system 12”) of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1 & 2. System 12 includes an outlet adapter 610 having a dischargecover 614 with a spout 617. Discharge cover 614 is configured to house amilling device 618 and to be operatively connected to a transportsection 28 of system 12. Milling device 618 includes an opposing set ofgrinding members or plates, such as front rotating grinder 619 and arear fixed grinder 621. Front rotating grinder 619 is adapted to rotatewith respect to rear fixed grinder 621.

In operation, milling device 618 receives a supply flow of particulatefood product 20 and processes the particulate food product into apressurized supply flow of viscous food paste 22 for dispensing throughspout 617 as an elongated stream 24. Food product 20 may include avariety of nuts, including peanuts and almonds. Viscous food paste 22may include a variety of nut butters, such as peanut butter and almondbutter.

System 12 includes a bin 26 for storage of particulate food product 20,gravity fed transport section 28 that receives the particulate foodproduct, and a power source 30 that drives a transport device 32 as wellas milling device 618. Transport device 32 is located within transportsection 28 and operates to move particulate food product 20 downstreamto milling device 618.

Transport device 32 is an auger in one embodiment, which is designed towork in conjunction with the internal features of transport section 28in order to perform an initial processing of the particulate foodproduct 20. The initial processing involves a rough cutting and crushingof the product. The subsequent processing of the rough product involvesrelatively finer grinding performed by the milling device 618.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, elongated stream 24 is notpinched off or severed. Rather, the stream bifurcates upon cessation offlow leaving a residual, or dangle. In some embodiments, as describedmore fully herein, the outlet adapter further includes a flexibledischarge nozzle adapted to pinch off or sever stream 24 upon cessationof flow.

Now referring to FIG. 3, discharge cover 614 (viewed as if transparent)has a generally cylindrical shape and includes an annular sidewall 615,annular flange 622 at the rear, and a nose 624 at the front. Transportsection 28 includes a sleeve 626, a front housing 628, a rear plate 630,and a chute inlet 632 extending from the top of the sleeve. Sleeve 626further includes a pair of opposing nodes 634 configured to receive andsecure opposing ends of a clamp bar 636. Nose 624 is configured toreceive and secure a front portion of clamp bar 636. Front housing 628includes an annular perimeter 638 and an arm 640 extending from the topof the annular perimeter and connected to the front of chute inlet 632.A post 642 is fastened to the front of arm 640. In assembling dischargecover 614 to front housing 628, a receptor 644 on top of annular flange622 is first aligned with and inserted onto post 642. Next, clamp bar636 is secured to nose 624 and the ends of the clamp bar secured tonodes 634. Alternatively, discharge cover 614 is aligned against fronthousing 628, secured by clamp bar 636, and then post 642 is fastened toarm 640 through receptor 644.

Bin 26 includes a chute 646 at the bottom for discharge of particulatefood product 20. Bin 26 further includes a rotatable gate 648 configuredto pivot from a normally closed position to an open position. In theclosed position (FIGS. 4, 5), gate 648 covers the bottom opening ofchute 646, preventing discharge of particulate food product 20. In theopen position (FIG. 3), gate 648 is pivoted away from the bottom openingof chute 646 towards the front of the chute, thus allowing for productdischarge. In assembling bin 26 to transport section 28, chute 646 isinserted into chute inlet 632. During insertion of chute 646 the top ofarm 640 engages a flap 650, causing the front rotation of gate 648.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, bin 26 may be removed from transport section28 for cleaning and/or change-over of product. Upon removal of chute 646from chute inlet 632, flap 650 rotates (either by gravity or springassisted), thus pivoting gate 648 back to the closed position. Chute 646further includes an opposing pair of stops 652 positioned on the sidesof the chute. Stops 652 define a limit of movement of gate 648 in theclosed position. Thus, gate 648 acts to minimize or substantiallyeliminate leakage of product from the bottom opening of chute 646 duringremoval of bin 26.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6K, cutout portion 656 (aka over-center cutout) isdisposed in transport device 32. As exemplified in FIG. 6B, cutoutportion 656 is disposed in transport device 32 in an over-centerposition. Cutout portion 656 is formed as a notch having twoperpendicular sides of unequal length. Cutout portion 656 is alignedbelow the opening of chute inlet 632. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that the dimensions of cutout portion 656 are sizedcommensurate with a target product (e.g. almond, or peanut). In oneembodiment, dimensions of 7.637 mm and 16.665 mm are used.

The foregoing configuration provides an important advantage overconventional systems in that whole nuts (e.g. almonds or peanuts) can becaptured and broken, whereas conventional systems require apre-processed, partially broken product. As shown in FIGS. 6E & 6F,cutout portion 656 engages and breaks a whole nut against chamber wall(sleeve 626). As shown in FIGS. 6G through 6I, the inferior cutout ofconventional systems cannot capture and break a whole nut because itpops out and escapes.

Referring to FIGS. 6K and 7, the rear portion of front housing 628includes a plurality of radially equally spaced-apart flutes 658disposed around transport device 32. Flutes 658 are longitudinalrecesses along a portion of the interior surface of sleeve 626,configured in number and size to maximize product flow from sleeve 626forward toward milling device 618. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6K,the bottom three flutes 658 extend rearwardly along the interior surfaceof sleeve 626 below chute inlet 632 (see also FIG. 6A).

The number and size of flutes can be varied to adjust flow. In oneembodiment (FIG. 7), five flutes, each being approximately 8 mm indiameter, half depth, are utilized. In another embodiment, 4 flutes areused which results in a lower flow rate and lower current draw on themotor.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of opposing texture adjustment screws660 accessible through annular perimeter 638 allow adjustment of viscousfood paste texture from coarse to fine. For nut products, theadjustments result in crunchy or creamy nut butter. Texture adjustmentscrews 660 are inserted through openings in annular perimeter 638 andare secured in corresponding helical slots within rear fixed grinder621. Adjustment is made by loosening texture adjustment screws 660 androtating the rear fixed grinder 621, relative to the longitudinal axisof transport device 32, into the desired position closer or further awayfrom front rotating grinder 619, then re-tightening the textureadjustment screws. Preferably, the adjustment does not require the useof special tools, and the screws can be manually rotated. The top end oftexture adjustment screws 660 may be any suitable type of thumb screw,such as including a knurled surface to allow ease of manual operation.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, manual fasteners may be used for assemblyand disassembly of transport section 28, transport device 32, and outletadapter 610 from power source 30. Assembly and disassembly withoutspecial tools acts to reduce device-cleaning time and productchange-over time, and reduces the potential for loss of special tools.Referring to FIG. 10, power source 30 is protected by an enclosure 662.A backer plate 664 is secured to enclosure 662 via thumb screws 666. Aring 668 is placed in an opening in backer plate 664, and a shaft 670 ofa motor 672 (see motor in FIG. 12) extends forward through the opening.

The rear end of transport device 32 is secured to shaft 670 via screwset 674. Next, transport section 28 is inserted onto transport device 32and rear plate 630 is secured to backer plate 664 via knobs 676. Thenthe transport device is secured to the transport section via fastenerset 678. The rear fixed grinder is secured to front housing 628 viatexture adjustment screws 660, as described above. Front rotatinggrinder 619 is inserted onto the front of transport device 32, andoutlet adapter 610 is secured to front housing 628 via post 642 andclamp bar 636 as described above. Thus, as the front end of transportdevice 32 is coupled to front rotating grinder 619, the front rotatinggrinder is operably coupled to power source 30.

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 14, power source 30 further includes avariable frequency drive (VFD) controller 680 operatively connected tomotor 672. VFD controller 680 is in electrical communication with motor672 and operator interfaces, which include an on/off switch 684 (shownin FIG. 10) and a time adjustment feature 686 (shown in FIG. 13).

VFD controller 680 enables motor 672 to operate using various world-wideinput voltages and frequencies, and maintains improved torque andhorsepower. Further, VFD controller 680 includes overload protectionwith single push button recovery and PLC controllability to providespecific user-selectable and customizable torque/speed profiles viacomputer program profiles.

In one embodiment, a 60 Hz, 110 Volt, 3 phase, VFD controlled, 1.5 hpmotor is used. This arrangement allows high torque from a relativelysmaller motor. Conventional systems utilize single phase motors that arenecessarily larger. In another embodiment, a 230V, 50 Hz system isprovided. The following input power options are preferred: 110V/60 Hz,220V/60 Hz, and 230V/50 Hz.

Referring to FIG. 13, a group of toggle switches in the rear side ofenclosure 662 facilitates a time adjustment feature 686. The switchesare operatively connected to VFD controller 680. Time adjustment feature686 allows selection from a plurality of pre-determined run times formotor 672. For example, the pre-determined run times may be selectedfrom a range of 15 seconds to 180 seconds. Time adjustment feature 686is a “user-friendly” feature that takes the guess work out of adjustingunit run time. For example, it may include a series of four toggleswitches, the first switch corresponding to 15 seconds, the secondcorresponding to 70 seconds, the third corresponding to 125 seconds andthe fourth corresponding to 180 seconds run time. User positioning ofon/off switch 684 to the “on” position causes activation of system 12through VFD controller 680. Activation of system 12 causes motor 672 tooperate for the maximum pre-determined run time, unless overridden bythe user positioning the on/off switch 684 to the “off” position.

The general arrangement of alternative outlet adapters 100/410 for aviscous food product grinding and dispensing system 412 are shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 according to various embodiments of the presentinvention. Outlet adapters 100/410 include a discharge cover 114/414 anda flexible nozzle 16/116. Discharge covers 114/414 are configured tohouse a milling device 418 (similar to milling device 618) and toreceive flexible nozzle 16/116. System 412 includes a bin 26 for storageof particulate food product 20, gravity fed transport section 28 thatreceives the particulate food product and a power source 30 that drivesa transport device 432 as well as milling device 418. Transport device432 is located within transport section 28 and operates to moveparticulate food product 20 downstream to milling device 418. Inoperation, milling device 418 receives a supply flow of particulate foodproduct 20 and processes the particulate food product into a pressurizedsupply flow of viscous food paste 22 for dispensing through nozzle16/116 as an elongated stream 24.

Now referring to FIG. 17, discharge cover 414, being similar todischarge cover 614, has a generally cylindrical shape and includes anannular sidewall 415. Discharge cover 414 also includes a spout 417configured to act as an environmental guard and tamper deterrent forsurrounded flexible nozzle 16.

The interior of discharge cover 414 may be curved to align adjacent theouter curved surface of milling device 418. Milling device 418 includesa front rotating grinder 419 and a rear fixed grinder 421.

Outlet adapter 410 also includes a gasket 422 fastened to the rear ofdischarge cover 414 via fasteners 426. Gasket 422 provides improvedsealing of discharge cover 414 against rear fixed grinder 421. Inassembly, discharge cover 414 with gasket 422 is aligned against a fronthousing 428, (may be secured by clamp bar 636, similar to dischargecover 614), and then post 440 is fastened to front housing 428 throughreceptor 444. Post 440 and fasteners 426 are configured to allow forinstallation both manually and by use of tools.

Now referring to FIGS. 18A, 18B and 19, transport device 432 is similarto transport device 32, except for including a hollow bore portion 454,and having two opposing cutouts 456 disposed at approximately 180degrees out of phase, relative to each other. Cutouts 456 are alignedbelow the opening of a chute inlet 434.

Referring to FIG. 20, in some embodiments, transport device 432 issolid, and does not include hollow bore portion 454. In one embodiment,transport device 432 is formed with an outer diameter of about 35.5 mm,and cutouts 456 are formed with a depth of about 7.637 mm and a width ofabout 16.665 mm.

Now referring to FIGS. 21-26, spout 417 extends from the bottom ofannular sidewall 415, and encloses all of flexible nozzle 16, except thebottom outlet. Spout 417 may be integral or ancillary to outlet adapter410. Referring to FIGS. 24-26, nozzle 16 includes a proximal end 34, adistal end 36. A valve 38 with a hollow interior passage 40 is formed inthe nozzle. Nozzle 16 is coupled at the proximal end 34 to an aperture442 in annular sidewall 415 of discharge cover 414. Nozzle 16 includes amounting flange 44 at the proximal end 34 configured to fit against theconcave curved interior surface of discharge cover 414. As seen in FIG.21, discharge cover 414 may include a shoulder 446 configured to abutthe outer edges 48 of mounting flange 44. As best seen in FIGS. 34 and35, a perimeter edge 49 of flange 44 may include radius curved portionsconfigured to seal against concave curved interior edge portions ofdischarge cover 414.

Valve 38 is biased in a normally closed position and flexes to an openposition due to a pressure exerted by the discharge of viscous foodpaste 22 as it is forced downstream through interior passage 40, andreturns to the normally closed position upon flow cessation. Valve 38 isconfigured with interior geometry features that pinch or chop againstelongated stream 24 as the valve returns to the closed position,effectively slicing through, pinching, or breaking apart the elongatedstream. Pinching elongated stream 24 within valve 38 reduces the amountof paste residue attached to the external face of the bottom of thevalve after the valve returns to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the properties of viscous food paste 22 allow foran alternative flexible nozzle to be utilized. Such flexible nozzle hasa discharge opening that also enlarges, or deforms, due to productstream pressurization, and returns to the closed position upon flowcessation. The severing of elongated stream 24 leaves substantially nopaste residue attached to the external face of the bottom of the valveafter the stream flow is de-pressurized.

In some embodiments, the properties of viscous food paste 22 allow foran alternative rigid or semi-rigid nozzle to be utilized. Suchproperties of viscous food paste 22 inherently result in a clean drop orsevering of elongated stream 24 due to forces of gravity once the supplyflow is depressurized. Such natural severing of elongated stream 24leaves substantially no paste residue attached to the external face ofthe bottom of the valve after the stream flow is de-pressurized. In someembodiments, such clean dropping viscous food paste 22 may be dispensedwith just the discharge cover in place, without any nozzle inserted. Insome embodiments, the discharge cover does not utilize spout 417, and aseparate, plastic sneeze guard (not shown) is supported in front of thedischarge of valve 38.

In some embodiments, a suitable biasing device, such as a pinch rollerset (not shown) is used to assist flexible nozzle 16 in returning to itsoriginal, closed position after the stream flow is de-pressurized. Inoperation, once the stream flow is de-pressurized, the pinch roller setis activated adjacent to proximal end 34 of valve 38. The rollers of thepinch roller set are urged closer together to slightly compress valve 38as the rollers are moved downwardly towards the distal end 36. As valve38 returns to the closed position, elongated stream 24 is severed, andleaves substantially no paste residue attached to the external face ofthe bottom of the valve. The pinch roller set is thereafter returned toa starting position. The operation of the pinch rollers can be achievedby various methods, including full or partial automation.

Referring to FIGS. 27-40, mounting flange 44 includes an opening 50 atproximal end 34 of interior passage 40. Opening 50 has an ovoid shapeand is configured to receive viscous food paste 22. Interior passage 40tapers asymmetrically in two dimensions (see FIGS. 30, 33-35) slightlyfrom opening 50 downstream toward distal end 36.

Valve 38 includes a pair of opposing flap walls 52 joined by a pair ofopposing side walls 54, the flap walls and side walls together formingcontinuous interior passage 40. Referring to FIG. 37, valve 38 has aside exterior linear dimension length “L” and a bottom exterior lineardimension width “W”. In one embodiment, “L” and “W” are from about 1.65inches to about 2.2 inches, and preferably “L” is about 2.0 inches and“W” is about 1.65 inches. Referring to FIG. 38, valve 38 has an exteriorlinear dimension depth “D” of about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches,and preferably about 0.85 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 30, 33 and 36, a reference planar oval 56 isvisualized as located above opening 50, in the X-Y plane; the referenceplanar oval having a central X axis, Y axis and perpendicular Z axis.Opening 50 has a generally concave curvature about the Y axis configuredto match the curvature of annular sidewall 415 of discharge cover 414.To reduce pressure drop of the pressurized supply flow of viscous foodpaste 22 through opening 50, the interior transition from flange 44 toside walls 54 and flap walls 52 is formed in a radius curvature.Referring to FIGS. 29-39, the transition from flange 44 to side walls 54has a generally convex curvature 58 relative to the Z axis and thetransition from the flange to flap walls 52 has a generally convexcurvature 60 relative to the Z axis.

Valve 38 is biased in a normally closed position (see FIG. 38) andflexes to an open position (see FIG. 39) due to a pressure exerted bythe discharge of viscous food paste 22. Valve 38 has a generallyduckbill shape, and includes a sheath portion 62 and a flexible portion64. Sheath portion 62 is located on side walls 54 and on the upperportion of flap walls 52. On flap walls 52, flexible portion 64 forms acurved interface 65 with sheath portion 62. Sheath portion 62 isconfigured with a lesser interior taper angle 66 from about 7 degrees toabout 8 degrees relative to the Z axis. Flexible portion 64 is locatedon flap walls 52 and is configured with a greater interior taper angle68. In one embodiment, the wall thickness of flexible portion 64increases as it tapers towards port 70. At the section center cut ofFIG. 38, the greater interior taper angle 68 is about 18 degrees and agreater exterior taper angle 69 is from about 11 degrees to about 14degrees, relative to the Z axis. Flexible portion 64 is configured to bebiased in a normally closed position and flexes outward slightly towardthe exterior as the pressurized supply flow of viscous food paste 22 isforced downstream through interior passage 40 (see FIG. 39).

Interior passage 40 is defined by opening 50 and the proximal ends 34 offlap walls 52, having a generally ovoid cross-section about the Z axis,that gradually decreases in cross sectional area downwardly (along the Zaxis) towards a normally closed port 70 of flexible nozzle 16 at distalend 36. Port 70 is configured for operation from the biased normallyclosed position to the open position for discharge of viscous food paste22 in the elongated stream 24. Elongated stream 24 may be captured bythe user within a container below port 70 (see FIG. 15).

Port 70 is configured such that the force from the pressurized supplyflow of viscous food paste 22 urges the port open and once the supplyflow is depressurized and the force ceases, the removal of the forcecauses the port to return to the normally closed position (FIG. 38).Port 70 will move to the open position when the product processingpressure of the supply flow of viscous food paste 22 reaches apredetermined valve threshold pressure, and will return to the closedposition when the product processing pressure falls below the valvethreshold pressure.

Each flexible portion 64 includes opposing pairs of tapered stiffeningportions 71 adjacent to side walls 54. At each side wall 54 adjacentstiffening portions 71 taken together are configured to be from abouttwo-thirds to about one-half of the width of port 70 at distal end 36,and are configured to assist in biasing the port into the closedposition.

Port 70 includes a pair of opposing gates 72 at the distal end 36 of theinterior surfaces of flap walls 52. In the closed position, gates 72have the appearance of a substantially closed elongated slit. As gates72 are forced open by the pressurized supply flow of viscous food paste22 to form an outlet 74. As the slit opens, the middle portion thereofopens relatively more than the end portions to form a bulbous middleportion 75. In other words, gates 72 each deform in a generallybell-like, somewhat concave curvature, to form an ovaloid shaped middleportion 75 of outlet 74 (see FIG. 40).

Valve 38 of nozzle 16 is configured to reduce the amount of pasteresidue attached to external face 76 by effectively severing theelongated stream 24 without causing excessive pressure drop when thevalve is in the open position.

Referring to FIG. 38, gates 72 are configured to be angled slightlyrelative to each other along the X axis from a pinch point 78 downtowards a gap at outlet 74, and thus are biased to abut close togetherat the pinch point when port 70 is in the normally closed position. Assuch, gates 72 of port 70 are configured to pinch or chop againstelongated stream 24 as the port returns to the closed position,effectively slicing through or breaking apart the elongated stream. Thesevered elongated stream 24 falls into the user's container below,thereby reducing the amount of residue viscous food paste 22 remainingattached to external face 76 of port 70.

Now referring to FIGS. 41-50, in an alternative embodiment, an outletadapter 100 includes a discharge cover 114 and a flexible nozzle 116.Nozzle 116 has many similar features to nozzle 16 described above (seeFIGS. 27-40). Nozzle 116 is coupled at the proximal end 34 to anaperture 42 in annular sidewall 115 of discharge cover 114. Nozzle 116include a valve 138 and a mounting flange 144 at the proximal end 34configured to fit against the concave curved interior surface ofdischarge cover 114. Discharge cover 114 may include a shoulder 146configured to abut the outer edges 148 of mounting flange 144. Referringto FIG. 43, mounting flange 144 includes an opening 150 at proximal end34 of an interior passage 140 configured to receive viscous food paste22.

Valve 138 is biased in a normally closed position (see FIG. 48) andflexes to an open position (see FIG. 49) due to a pressure exerted bythe discharge of viscous food paste 22. Valve 138 has a generallyduckbill shape, and includes sheath portion 62 and a flexible portion164. On flap walls 52, flexible portion 164 forms a curved interface 165with sheath portion 62.

Interior passage 140 is defined by opening 150 and the proximal ends 34of flap walls 52, having a generally ovoid cross-section about the Zaxis, that gradually decreases in cross sectional area downwardly (alongthe Z axis) towards a normally closed port 170 of flexible nozzle 116 atdistal end 36. Port 170 is configured for operation from the biasednormally closed position to the open position for discharge of viscousfood paste 22 in the elongated stream 24.

Port 170 includes a pair of opposing gates 172 at the distal end 36 ofthe interior surfaces of flap walls 52. In the closed position, gates172 have the appearance of a closed slit. As gates 172 are forced openby the pressurized supply flow of viscous food paste 22 to form anoutlet 174. As the slit opens, the middle portion thereof opensrelatively more than the end portions to form a bulbous middle portion175. In other words, gates 172 each deform in a generally bell-like,somewhat concave curvature, to form an ovaloid shaped middle portion 175of outlet 174 (see FIG. 50).

Gates 172 are configured to be substantially parallel, and are furtherconfigured to be biased to abut together when port 170 is in thenormally closed position. As such, gates 172 of port 170 are configuredto pinch or chop against elongated stream 24 as the port returns to theclosed position, effectively slicing through or breaking apart theelongated stream. The severed elongated stream 24 falls into the user'scontainer below, thereby reducing the amount of residue viscous foodpaste 22 remaining attached to an external face 176 of port 170.

Nozzles 16, 116 are made of a suitable flexible, elastomeric material,such as rubber, for example. Preferably, the rubber is a food gradesuitable for use with various particulate food products 20. The nozzlematerial may be configured of a durometer hardness to match the type ofproduct used for milling, and the type of viscous food paste 22 producedby the viscous food product grinding and dispensing system 12. Thedurometer hardness utilized is coordinated to allow the valves 38, 138to deform and open when interior passages 40, 140 are pressurized abovea predetermined level and to seal closed causing a reduced residue dripwhen depressurized. In one example, for use with peanuts to make nutbutter, the durometer of the rubber used for the nozzle may be fromabout Shore 60A to about Shore 90A. The durometer may vary depending onthe size of the nuts used, and the texture of nut butter desired(chunky, coarse or smooth). The desired dispense rate of elongatedstream 24 is also taken into account with the selection of rubberdurometer. In one embodiment, larger sized peanuts produced a rate ofabout 1.3 lbs/minute to about 1.4 lbs/minute. In another embodiment,smaller sized peanuts produced a rate of about 3.1 lbs/minute to about3.6 lbs/minute. In one embodiment, flexible nozzle 116 is preferablymade from Shore 80A rubber for use in peanut butter applications toproduce a flow rate of about 1.5 to about 3.4 lbs/minute of peanut foodpaste. The Shore 80A flexible nozzle 116 produces a dispense rate fromabout 3.2 to 3.4 lbs/minute with smaller sized peanuts and from about1.5 to 1.7 lbs/minute with larger sized peanuts.

Discharge covers 114, 414, 614 may be made from a suitable food grademetal, such as stainless steel for example. Flexible nozzles 16, 116 areeasily inserted and removed for cleaning from aperture 42 in dischargecovers 114, 414, 614. Various parts shown are interchangeable indifferent system embodiments. For example, transport device 432 may beused within front housing 628.

Although shown coupling with the annular sidewall 115, 415 ofcylindrical discharge covers 114, 414, and having a generally U-shapedflanges 44, 144, valves 38, 138 may be used in other applications, suchas inline in industrial food processing. Valves 38, 138 may be mountedinline in a square, cylindrical or rounded conduit, where thecorresponding flange perimeter is square, circular, or rounded andconfigured to mate with the adjacent conduit structure. The viscous foodproduct dispensed by valves 38, 138 may be any suitable food product,such as dough, jam or mayonnaise. The valves may also be utilized withother suitable viscous products such as caulk, adhesives or petroleumjelly.

While this invention has been shown and described with respect todetailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A viscous food product dispensing systemcomprising: a transport section having a chute inlet for receiving aparticulate food product; an auger for processing and conveying thereceived particulate food product from the transport section into anoutlet adapter through one or more flutes; the auger having anover-center cutout aligned with the chute inlet; the over-center cutoutadapted to engage and break a whole nut; the outlet adapter comprising:a discharge cover enclosing a milling device; the milling device beingadapted to further process the particulate food product into apressurized flow of viscous food paste that is discharged through anozzle, the nozzle being disposed through the discharge cover; themilling device further comprising: opposing grinding members adapted torotate, with respect to each other, so as to grind the particulate foodproduct; the opposing grinding members being axially adjustable,relative to each other, by manually-operable texture alignment screws,so as to grind the particulate food product to varying textures; theauger and milling device being mechanically driven by an electric motor;the nozzle being covered by a spout whereby the particulate food productis environmentally protected; the discharge cover having a generallycylindrical shape with an annular sidewall; the nozzle coupled at aproximal end to an aperture in the annular sidewall of the dischargecover; the nozzle including a mounting flange at a proximal end thereofconfigured to engage a curved interior surface of the annular sidewall;the electric motor comprising a variable frequency driven (VFD), 60 Hz,110 Volt, 3 phase, 1.5 hp motor; the VFD being controllable according touser-selectable and customizable torque/speed profiles; a valve formedin the nozzle, the valve including an opening at a proximal end thereofconfigured to receive the viscous food paste, the opening being ovoid;the valve including a pair of opposing flap walls joined by a pair ofopposing side walls, the flap walls and side walls together forming adownwardly-tapered interior passage; the interior passage taperingasymmetrically in two dimensions from the opening downstream toward anormally closed port at a distal end of the nozzle; the valve includinga sheath portion and a flexible portion, the sheath portion beinglocated on the side walls and on an upper portion of the flap walls; anoutlet disposed in the flexible portion of the valve, the outlet beingconfigured to flex to an open position under force from the pressurizedflow of viscous food paste as it flows through the interior passage; theoutlet being configured to return to a closed position upon a reductionof the pressurized flow of viscous food paste; the outlet, whensubjected to a product processing pressure exceeding a valve thresholdpressure, expands from a closed state to an enlarged open state, andreturns to the closed state when the processing pressure is below thevalve threshold pressure; the outlet in the open position having theshape of an elongated slit having a bulbous middle portion; the nozzlebeing made of food grade rubber having a durometer of about Shore 80A.2. A viscous food product dispensing system comprising: a transportsection having a chute inlet for receiving a particulate food product;an auger for processing and conveying the received particulate foodproduct from the transport section into an outlet adapter through one ormore flutes; the outlet adapter comprising: a discharge cover enclosinga milling device; the milling device adapted to further process theparticulate food product into a pressurized flow of viscous food pastethat is discharged through a nozzle, the nozzle being disposed throughthe discharge cover; the auger and milling device being mechanicallydriven by an electric motor.
 3. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising: the auger having an over-center cutout aligned with thechute inlet; the over-center cutout adapted to engage and break a wholenut.
 4. The system of claim 3 further comprising: the cutout being sizedaccording to a peanut.
 5. The system of claim 3 further comprising: thecutout being sized according to an almond.
 6. The system of claim 2further comprising: the milling device comprising: opposing grindingmembers adapted to rotate, with respect to each other, so as to grindthe particulate food product; the opposing grinding members beingaxially adjustable, relative to each other, by manually-operable texturealignment screws, so as to grind the particulate food product to varyingtextures.
 7. The system of claim 2 further comprising: the nozzle beingcovered by a spout whereby the particulate food product isenvironmentally protected.
 8. The system of claim 2 further comprising:the discharge cover having a generally cylindrical shape with an annularsidewall; the nozzle coupled at a proximal end to an aperture in theannular sidewall of the discharge cover; the nozzle including a mountingflange at a proximal end thereof configured to engage a curved interiorsurface of the annular sidewall.
 9. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising: the electric motor comprising a variable frequency driven(VFD), 3 phase motor.
 10. The system of claim 9 further comprising: theVFD being controllable according to user-selectable and customizabletorque/speed profiles.
 11. The system of claim 9 further comprising: theelectric motor comprising a 60 Hz, 110 Volt, 3 phase, 1.5 hp motor. 12.The system of claim 2 further comprising: a valve formed in the nozzle,the valve including an opening at a proximal end thereof configured toreceive the viscous food paste; the valve including a pair of opposingflap walls joined by a pair of opposing side walls, the flap walls andside walls together forming a downwardly-tapered interior passage; thevalve including a sheath portion and a flexible portion, the sheathportion being located on the side walls and on an upper portion of theflap walls; an outlet disposed in the flexible portion of the valve, theoutlet being configured to flex to an open position under force from thepressurized flow of viscous food paste as it flows through the interiorpassage; the outlet being configured to return to a closed position upona reduction of the pressurized flow of viscous food paste.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12 further comprising: the opening being ovoid.
 14. Thesystem of claim 12 further comprising: the outlet, when subjected to aproduct processing pressure exceeding a valve threshold pressure,expands from a closed state to an enlarged open state, and returns tothe closed state when the processing pressure is below the valvethreshold pressure.
 15. The system of claim 12 further comprising: theoutlet in the open position having the shape of an elongated slit havinga bulbous middle portion.
 16. The system of claim 2 further comprising:the nozzle being made of food grade rubber having a durometer of aboutShore 80A.
 17. The system of claim 1 further comprising: the systembeing configured to dispense a peanut food paste at a rate from about1.5 to about 3.4 lbs/minute.
 18. The system of claim 12 furthercomprising: the interior passage tapering asymmetrically in twodimensions from the opening downstream toward a normally closed port ata distal end of the nozzle.
 19. The system of claim 3 furthercomprising: a second over-center cutout being disposed substantially 180degrees out of phase with the over-center cutout.